Attachment facilitating device for a bicycle

ABSTRACT

An attachment facilitating device and a pet carrier for a bicycle are disclosed. The attachment facilitating device is an elongate support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle. The support includes first and second ends. A first clamp is associated with the first end for gripping a tubular member of the bicycle adjacent to the handlebars. A second clamp is associated with the second end for gripping a tubular member of the bicycle rearwardly of the first clamp. First and second elongate arms are slideably engageable with each other. The first and second arms each have a proximal end region opposite their respective distal end regions associated with the clamps. The first arm is for supporting the carrier and is fastenable thereto. The second arm includes a linear region extending from the distal end of the second arm towards the proximal end of the second arm. An angled region is adjacent the linear region. At least two fasteners enable fastening of the first and second arms together in either of at least two orientation-differing relationships. In one of the two relationships, angling out from the linear region is in one direction. In the other of the relationships, angling out from the linear region is in a different direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an attachment facilitating device for abicycle and, in particular, to a device that facilitates the attachmentof various types of carriers to a bicycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art includes various carriers for mounting between the saddleand the handlebars of a bicycle. If the carrier is a child carrier, thislocation has the advantages that the child can have a good viewforwardly of the bicycle and is given a sense of security by beinglocated between the arms of the rider, while the rider can observe thechild.

Besides child carriers, it is known to attach other types of carriers toa bicycle. For example, pet carriers such as those of the type disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,183 of Kloster can be attached to a bicycle. Thepet carrier disclosed in Kloster is mountable on a top tube of abicycle. In addition, this carrier can also be mounted on a female-stylebicycle. For comfort purposes, the sidewalls of the carrier disclosed inKloster have a plurality of air ventilation openings.

A support beam, such as those of the type that have the effect ofconverting a female-style bicycle into a male-style bicycle, can be usedto facilitate mounting a carrier between the saddle and the handlebarsof a bicycle when, for example, the bicycle lacks a top tube; howeverknown “conversion” beams are inadequate for certain applications. Forexample, shorter or plumper individuals sometimes prefer the use of afemale-style frame with a large space in front of the saddle. The beamdesign of the prior art effectively removes this space when mounted tothe bicycle. As well, certain modern frame designs with a radicallysloping top tube sloping upwardly and forwardly, with a minimal seattube can make it difficult to satisfactorily mount a carrier in ahorizontal disposition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The term “bicycle” refers to a conventional upright adult bicycle anddoes not include a recumbent bicycle nor the like.

The term “clamp” as used herein means two or more cooperating elementsfor holding at least two things firmly together (unless a differentmeaning is evident from the context within which the term is used).

According to one example of the invention is an elongate support for abicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the saddle and thehandlebars of a bicycle. The support includes first and second ends. Afirst clamp is associated with the first end for gripping a tubularmember of the bicycle adjacent to the handlebars. A second clamp isassociated with the second end for gripping a tubular member of thebicycle rearwardly of the first clamp. First and second elongate armsare slideably engageable with each other. The first and second arms eachhave a proximal end region opposite their respective distal end regionsassociated with the clamps. The first arm is for supporting the carrierand is fastenable thereto. The second arm includes a linear regionextending from the distal end of the second arm towards the proximal endof the second arm. An angled region is adjacent the linear region. Atleast two fasteners enable fastening of the first and second armstogether in either of at least two orientation-differing relationships.In one of the two relationships, angling out from the linear region isin one direction. In the other of the relationships, angling out fromthe linear region is in a different direction.

According to another example of the invention is an elongate support fora bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the saddle and thehandlebars of a bicycle. The support includes first and second ends. Afirst clamp is associated with the first end for gripping a tubularmember of the bicycle adjacent to the handlebars. A second clamp isassociated with the second end for gripping a tubular member of thebicycle rearwardly of the first clamp. The support also includes anelongate member for supporting the carrier and fastenable thereto. Themember includes opposed sidewalls, a web spanning the sidewalls, aninterior space between the sidewalls, and a joining end region oppositea clamp end region associated with the first clamp. A pair of bars eachhas a linear region and an angled region. Each of the bars is forfastening to one of the sidewalls. The linear region is associated withthe second clamp. The angled region is adjacent the linear region. Atleast two fasteners enable the fastening to the sidewalls in either ofat least two orientation-differing relationships. In one of the tworelationships, angling out from the linear region is in one direction.In the other of the relationships, angling out from the linear region isin a different direction.

According to another example of the invention is a pet carrier forcarrying a pet. The pet carrier is mountable on either one of a top tubeof a bicycle, a support beam. The carrier includes a housing defining aninterior space within which the pet can be placed. The housing includesa front side portion, a back side portion, a base configured forconnection to the bicycle and an open top (or a removable top cover at atop of the housing). A net-like restraint is attachable to the housingfor pressing against a back side of the pet when placed in the carrier.The net is for restraining movement of the pet towards the back sideportion. A chin rest is located substantially at the top along the frontside portion.

It may be convenient if the carrier housing includes at least onecompartment for storing items.

It may also be convenient if the at least one compartment is sized tostore a water bottle.

It may also be convenient, where the carrier housing includes aremovable top cover, for the cover to be grid-like for facilitatingventilation.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanyingdrawings which show example embodiments of the present invention, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support constructed in accordance witha first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view similar to that of FIG. 2, but with the support'srear arm in an inverted position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support of FIG. 1 attached to abicycle (parts of the bicycle being omitted for clarity);

FIG. 5 is a side view of a bar used in a support constructed inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a support constructed in accordance witha second embodiment of the present invention, and the support beingattached to a bicycle (parts of the bicycle being omitted for clarity);

FIG. 7 is a side view of a support constructed in accordance with athird embodiment of the present invention, and the support beingattached to a bicycle;

FIG. 8 is another side view of the support of FIG. 7 attached to adifferent bicycle;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an infant seat assembly mounted on thesupport of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pet carrier constructed in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a left side elevational view of the pet carrier of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the pet carrier of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the pet carrier of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view illustrating the pet carrier of FIG. 10 andits internal components;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a dog within the pet carrierof FIG. 10;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary front arm fora support constructed in accordance with an example of the invention;

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of another alternative exemplary frontarm for a support constructed in accordance with an example of theinvention; and

FIG. 16C is a perspective view of yet another alternative exemplaryfront arm for a support constructed in accordance with an example of theinvention.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different Figures todenote similar parts in the illustrated apparatuses. DETAILEDDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an elongate support according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. The support comprises a rigid beam18 that has a front or first end 58 and an opposed rear or second end32. The rigid beam 18 of the support includes front and rear or firstand second arms 20 and 22 which are slideably engageable with eachother.

The arms 20 and 22 engage each other in a manner such that they maytelescope to adjust the overall length of the beam 18. Further, as willbe described below, the rear arm 22 may be put into any one of multipledifferent orientation relationships with the front arm 20 in order tochange the relative position of the clamp at the rear arm's distal end.In FIG. 1, the distal end of the rear arm 22 is the end 32.

Front arm 20 comprises an elongate channel-shaped member having aninverted U-shaped cross-section, composed of sidewalls 1 and a web 2spanning the sidewalls 1. There is an interior space between thesidewalls 1 (i.e. the space of the channel), and the proximal end of thearm 22 (end opposite the distal end) is slideably engaged with theinterior surface of the arm 20. The rear arm 22 comprises twosubstantially parallel spaced apart bars 26 and 28, which in theillustrated embodiment are generally strip-like in shape, with each barbeing fastened to a corresponding inside surface of a sidewall 1 of thefront arm 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, regions of the rear arm 22 include a linear region31 and an angled region 33. It will be seen that a wide range ofconfigurations are possible for the rear arm. For example, the rear armcould have only one bar instead of two bars; however the illustratedrear arm is lighter than many alternative arms made of the same metaland a one bar arm, depending on the type of bicycle used, may not permitas many different front arm-rear arm orientation relationships. Also,even though the rear arm could be a single bar, it will be understoodthat a single strip-like bar (like the illustrated bar 26 or 28) willnot be sufficient.

Both front and rear arms include front clamp or clamp assembly 66 andrear clamp or clamp assembly 74 respectively at their distal (free) ends(the distal end of the front arm 20 is end 58) for releasably fasteningthe beam 18 to a bicycle. The clamp 74 is for releasable attachment to aseat tube or seat post of a bicycle frame. Also, a first region of theclamp 74 is releasably attached to the region 31 of the bar 26. A secondopposed region of the clamp 74 is releasably attached to the region 31of the bar 28. The front clamp 66 joins the front arm 20 to the bicycleat a position close to the handlebars, such as the head tube of thebicycle frame.

With respect to the support illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the lengths of thefront and rear arms 20 and 22 are roughly equal. It will be appreciatedby one skilled in the art that neither the absolute lengths nor thelength ratio (front arm to rear arm) are essential; any combination ofarm lengths will suffice provided the resulting beam will fit a bicycleconveniently. Also it will be understood that the arms 20 and 22 can bemade from a suitable rigid material, including a metal, such as steel oraluminum. Also, some types of plastic may be suitable.

The front and rear arms are joined together by aligned slots and holeswithin the respective arms. Thus, there are a plurality of spaced apartholes 42 along the bars 26 and 28. In one particular version of the reararm 22, there are seven of the holes 42 per arm, and the holes areevenly spaced apart from each other. The holes 42 may be aligned withslots 46 within the sidewalls of the front arm 20. These holes 42 aredesigned to receive fasteners, to fix the position of the rear arm 22with respect to the front arm 20 once the support has been telescoped tothe desired position. Each bolt of the fastener is fitted through bothan elongate slot 46 and one of the holes 42. In one embodiment,increased rigidity is achieved by using two spaced apart fasteners perside. Although only one of the elongate slots can be seen in thedrawings, there are two opposed elongate slots 46 formed in the oppositesidewalls 1 of the front arm 20. The size of the slot 46 will varydepending upon such factors as the size of the holes 42 and the desirednumber of holes to be exposed through the slot. The holes 42 and theslot 46 should not be so large as to result in the loss of rigidity.Reversible fastener means is provided by the slots 46, the holes 42 andthe associated fasteners. It will be appreciated by one skilled in theart that the fasteners could be detent mechanisms instead of nut andbolt combinations. Also, it will be understood that other types ofreversible fastener means are contemplated, and that these need notinclude slots and/or holes.

Use of single fastener per side permits angular adjustment of arms (aswill be subsequently described), while multiple fasteners are usefulwhen a linear beam will suffice.

Referring to FIG. 1, the front arm 20 of the beam 18 includes a mountingmeans to attach a carrier. In FIG. 1, this is shown as a threadedvertical hole 50 in the web 2 of the front arm 20. The threaded hole 50permits the fastening of a carrier, such as a child seat, saddle bag,small animal seat, item carrier, or other carrier having a matingthreaded post or bolt. The attachment of such devices is described inpublished U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2004/0061361 (hereinafter“the previously mentioned U.S. patent application”) the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference. Attachment is not limitedto being carried out as described. For instance, having at least asingle hole is not necessarily required, as attachment of the carrier tothe support could be carried out by alternative attachment means, suchas by possibly incorporating the female mating part into the carrierinstead of into the beam 18.

Two different front arm-rear arm orientation relationships are shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates the arms 20 and 22fastened together in a first position where the angled region 33 anglesupwardly. FIG. 3 illustrates the arms 20 and 22 fastened together in asecond position where the angled region 33 angles downwardly. In one ofthe illustrated orientation relationships angling out from the linearregion is in one direction, and in the other illustrated orientationrelationship angling out from the linear region is in another direction.

Each of the bars 26 and 28 have a linear region 31 and an angled region33. The linear region 31 is associated with the rear clamp 74. Theangled region 33 is adjacent the linear region 31. As shown, the angledregions of the bars displace the clamp either above or below themid-plane of the beam.

Changing the configuration of the support from that of FIG. 2 to that ofFIG. 3 (or vice versa) can be accomplished by inverting the rear arm 22(i.e. flipping it). Which configuration should be used for a particularbicycle depends on which configuration will best permit the front arm 20to be substantially horizontal when the support is attached to thebicycle.

In order to assist in understanding the illustrated support, one canvisualize an axis parallel to the length of the front arm 20. This axisextends through the front end 58 and rear end 59 of the front arm 20.One can then visualize another axis extending through the front end 58and the end 32. Flipping the rear arm 22 provides a means for varyingthe angle between these two axes. When the support is attached to abicycle, the configuration of FIG. 2 is one in which the end 32 will beabove the front end 58, and the configuration of FIG. 3 is one in whichthe end 32 will be below the front end 58. Because the rear clamp orclamp assembly 74 is on the end 32, flipping of the rear arm 22 is a wayof permitting height adjustment of the rear clamp assembly 74 withoutimpact upon the position of the surface provided for carrier attachment.When the rear clamp assembly 74 is at a lower height, so too might thesaddle be positionable to a lower height.

FIG. 4 illustrates the support of FIG. 1 attached to a bicycle frame, apart of which is indicated by reference numeral 62. In this Figure, thefront arm 20 is substantially horizontal (when the bicycle is resting ona horizontal surface).

The front clamp assembly 66 attaches the support to the bicycle. Morespecifically, the front clamp assembly 66 grips a tubular member of thebicycle in the handlebar region, such as the head tube 70 (or handlebarstem, although this would be less suitable and unlikely in light of therotation of the stem). The front clamp assembly 66 is a conventionaloperable clamp for gripping a tube such as that described in thepreviously mentioned U.S. patent application. Preferably, the clamp 66is generally horizontally oriented to grip a generally vertical tube.However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that when suitablymodified the clamp 66 may grip any part of the front region of thebicycle, such as the forward region of the top or down tubes. The clamp66 includes two openable and opposed regions 67 and 69 which are bestseen in FIG. 1.

The rear clamp assembly 74 grips seat post 78, and is of a conventionalopenable arrangement such as that described in the previously mentionedU.S. patent application. The rear clamp assembly 74 includes bridgeassemblies (which each include a rigid spacer 37 and a compressiblesleeve 40) and resilient sleeves 30. The bridge assemblies maintain thebars 26, 28 in parallel spaced apart relationship while also compressingin length when tightened to form a mount to attach the device to a seatpost or seat tube. Centrally in each of the bridge assemblies is a rigidspacer 37, which could comprise a bolt. Providing a rigid spacer isclearly not essential to the invention. It will be understood that thebridge assemblies could easily be replaced by something else which mightinclude, for example, a foam piece.

The pair of resilient sleeves 30 which are of hollow rectangularcross-section fit onto the bars 26 and 28 at the end 32 between thebridge assemblies. The illustrated sleeves 30 permit compensation fordifferent seat post sizes and are further described in the previouslymentioned U.S. patent application. The sleeves provide both cushioningand grip when engaged with the bicycle frame or post. While the sleeves30 are useful, there are suitable alternative clamps that do not employsleeves. Also in certain circumstances the compressible sleeves 40 mightbe able to maintain the rigidity of the mounting.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a configuration of bars 82 in an alternativeexample embodiment, wherein the beam 18 is composed of front and reararms 20, 83 which are pivotally joined together at their proximal ends.As in the first embodiment, the distal ends (front and rear) includeclamps to grip the bicycle at or near the handlebar and seat regionsrespectively. The pivoting arrangement permits the carrier to be usedwith a variety of bicycle sizes and types, such as small-framedbicycles, female frames, and those with a radically sloping top tube.The rear arm 83 may be rotated downwardly by a variable amount dependingon the frame size/type and needs of the rider. Once clamped to thebicycle, further pivoting movement of the arm is prevented by the frontand rear ends of the beam being firmly fixed in position on the bicycle.The strip-shaped bar 82 has a front end 86 and a rear end 90. The frontend 86 is rounded to facilitate pivoting within the front arm 20. Theillustrated strip-shaped bar 82 has a length slightly more than half thelength of the strip-shaped bars 26 and 28 illustrated in FIG. 1. Holes94 are for attachment of a pair of the bridge assemblies, one of whichcan also extend through a hole in seat post clamp 99 as illustrated.Holes 98 are for essentially the same purpose as the holes 42. If thestrip-shaped bars are pivoted, only one of the holes 98 per arm would beused. The holes 94 and 98 are elements in fastening means, and it isknown to achieve fastening without the use of holes.

FIG. 6 illustrates the support constructed with the shorter strip-shapedbars 82. This version of the support is shown attached to a bicycleframe, a part of which is indicated by reference numeral 162. As in FIG.4, the front clamp assembly 66 grips a head tube 170 forming part of thebicycle frame. The rear clamp 74 clamps at the location of the seat postclamp 99 for seat post 178. Differences between the rear clamp shown inFIG. 6 and the rear clamp shown in FIGS. 1-4 include: 1) one of thebridge assemblies (with the sleeve 40 absent) extends through a hole inthe seat post clamp 99; and 2) the sleeves 30 are absent.

For the particular bicycle shown in FIG. 6, top tube 180 is sloped(quite significantly) downwardly and rearwardly. This type of bicycleframe is typically provided for use by shorter riders. An example of acategory of bicycles that can have radically sloping top tubes is the24″-26″ (wheel size) category (the bicycles in this category typicallyhave a shorter distance between the saddle and the handlebars).

For those bicycle frames such as the exemplary frame depicted in FIG. 6,it may be undesirable to have the front arm 20 parallel with the toptube 180. For example, when a carrier is attached to the top tube 180,the carrier may end up being unsatisfactorily attached because thecarrier may not be designed to be angled. A consequence of a non-levelcarrier could be the pushing of the carrier into the bicycle's steeringfork and/or shock absorbers.

It is therefore typically desirable to have the front arm 20 (to whichthe carrier would be attached) substantially horizontal. Pivoting thestrip-shaped bars 82 downwardly permits the rear clamp 74 to grip theseat tube or seat post near the junction of the top tube for greaterstrength and less interference with the rider. It also permits use ofthe device with a shock-absorbing seat post. Also, it could allow ashort bicycle rider to lower his or her saddle all, or nearly all theway down.

Before the front clamp assembly 66 and the rear clamp assembly 74 areclamped to the head tube 170 and the seat post 178 respectively, therear arm of the support can pivot away or towards the axis through theends 58 and 59. After both the front clamp assembly 66 and the rearclamp assembly 74 are in gripping engagement with the head tube 170 andthe seat post 178 respectively, the rear arm of the support cannotsubstantially pivot away or towards the axis through the ends 58 and 59.

The support illustrated in FIG. 6 may also be particularly desirable ifinterference with any cables running along the top tube 180 is aconcern. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the front arm 20 and the strip-shapedbars 82 are significantly distanced from the top tube 180 (except at thetop tube ends). Also the underside channel of the front arm 20 and thespace between the bars 82 facilitate avoidance of any interferences.

The support illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 is constructed using front arm 20and a rear arm 22 of the type shown in FIG. 1. The rear arm 22 has beenreversed front to back such that instead of the gripping means (clampingdevice 218) being on the end 32, the gripping means is instead on theother end of the rear arm 22, which previously was the proximate end.

Means for keeping the strip-shaped bars 26 and 28 spaced apart isprovided. In particular, nut and bolt assembly 202 extends throughcompressible cylindrical sleeve 206 (the sleeve 206 can be the samesleeve as the sleeve 40 illustrated in FIG. 1). The arrangementfacilitates keeping the bars apart, but also together for strength. Itwill be appreciated that the means for keeping the strip-shaped bars 26and 28 spaced apart is not necessarily needed for all applications. Forexample, the strip-shaped arms are also spaced apart by, for example,the seat tube. There are also other possible means for keeping thestrip-shaped bars 26 and 28 spaced apart, like a resilient piece offoam, for example. It will however be appreciated that the illustratedarrangement provides a rigid spacer. It may also assist in preventingdeformation of the bars 26 and 28.

The rear arm 22 can pivot with respect to the front arm 20, via a pivotor pivot joint 215 comprising a pair of fasteners such as nut and boltcombinations 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear armsare joined at the pivot joint 215. Also, the fasteners 216 can be of thetype that, when sufficiently tightened, prevent further pivotalmovement. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that theillustrated pivot joint 215 is only one possible means to pivotallyattach the rear arm 22 to the front arm 20 and permit pivotal movementthereof.

The rear arm 22 also has a clamp 218 at its distal end. The clamp 218permits attachment of the distal end to the frame of a bicycle. Theclamping device can be any type of conventional openable clamp havingopposing members for gripping a tube, and the illustrated clamp 218 issimilar to a clamp sold under the trade-mark Krypto. This particularclamp can be pivoted with respect to the rear arm 22 in order to betterfacilitate attachment to more than one possible tubular member.

FIG. 7 illustrates the support attached to a bicycle frame 230 that doesnot have a top tube. In this Figure, clamping device 218 is in grippingengagement with a seat tube 233 (visibly below seat post 234). Theclamping arrangement could be modified so that the clamping device 218is instead in gripping engagement with down tube 238. Thus, the clampingdevice 218 can be in gripping engagement with different parts of theframe 230 (e.g. the seat post 234, the down tube 238).

In FIG. 8 the support is attached to a different bicycle frame 250 whichincludes a top tube 252. The clamping device 218 is in grippingengagement with seat tube 255 at a point on the tube 255 below the toptube 252. Gripping engagement below instead of above the top tube 252prevents possible interference with the cable 270.

Changing the tubular member clamped by the clamping device 218 is againpossible. For the bicycle and support illustrated in FIG. 8, onepossible way in which this could be carried out would be by firstopening up the opposed regions of the clamping device 218, then rotatingboth the rear arm and the clamping device 218, and finally closing theopposed regions of the clamping device 218 so as to clamp down tube 251of the bicycle frame 250.

FIG. 9 illustrates an infant carrier which comprises a seat and headrestassembly 500 mounted on the support. The seat and headrest assembly 500is disclosed in the previously mentioned U.S. patent application. Theseat and headrest assembly 500 includes an infant seat or child's seatattachment 504 and a headrest attachment 508. The headrest attachment508 is mounted on the child's seat attachment 504 which, in turn, ismounted on the support in the location of an attachment point that canbe relatively close to front end 212 of the front arm. The previouslymentioned U.S. application describes how the seat and headrest assembly500 can be attached to the illustrated carrier.

Whereas a carrier in the form of a seat and headrest assembly for aninfant is illustrated in FIG. 9, a carrier in the form of a pet carrier550 is illustrated in FIGS. 10-15. The carrier 550, which can be madefrom a variety of different materials including plastic, includes ahousing 554 that defines an interior space within which a pet, such as acat or a small dog, can be placed. Cross-sectionally speaking, theillustrated housing 554 is somewhat oval. A convex (as opposed to flat)front side portion is preferred for at least some carriers to betterprevent steering difficulties for the bicycle rider.

The illustrated carrier tapers towards the bottom of the carrier 550.There is not an important functional reason for this, but thischaracteristic might permit reduced injection molding costs. In oneexample embodiment, the backside portion of the pet carrier tapers moreacutely towards the rear as compared to the illustrated backside portion558.

In the lower region of the housing 554, an elongate channel 566 extendsfrom the backside portion 558 to the front side portion 562, permittingthe carrier 550 to straddle an elongate member or beam (such as the beam18 illustrated in FIG. 15). A suitable aperture or slot can be providedin carrier floor 620 (located at the top of the channel 566) to receivea fastener for securing the carrier 550 to the straddled member or beam.In this manner, the base of the carrier 550 is configured for connectionto a bicycle.

In FIG. 10, the carrier 550 is illustrated with a top cover (or lid) 570in a closed position. For a pet to be placed within the carrier 550, thelid 570 needs to be moved to at least a semi-open position, but also itcould be entirely removed from the top of the housing 554. In oneembodiment, the lid 570 is associated with a hinge mechanism (notillustrated) located in the back side portion 558. The hinge mechanismcan be of the known type that when the lid 570 is lifted upwardly to acertain angle by pulling on handle 576 or other lid portion, the lid 570can simply be separated from the carrier 550.

It will be understood that it may be desirable to have the lid 570completely separated if a large enough dog is being placed in thecarrier 550. On the other hand, in the case where a cat (or a smallpuppy) is being placed in the carrier 550, the lid 570 can be simplylifted up but not removed before the pet is placed in the carrier 550.In conjunction with this second scenario, a fabric patch 580 is providedto partially restrict a hole in the lid 570 through which the head ofthe pet can extend. Ties 584 are used to expand or restrict opening 586through which the pet's head can extend.

If a pet is placed inside the carrier 550 and the lid 570 is returned toa closed position, it will be desirable to prevent the lid 570 frombecoming dislodged from the closed position. Various known lockingmechanisms can be employed to prevent undesired dislodging from theclosed position. In one example embodiment, a latch-type mechanism(possibly one that is engaged by rotation action) is employed. Inanother example embodiment, the periphery of the carrier's lid canfixedly engage an adjacent edge of the carrier 550 in a manner somewhatsimilar to Tupperware® containers.

Depending upon the pet placed in the carrier 550, padding could be addedat locations such as chin rest 616 and the carrier floor upon which thepet is placed. It will be appreciated that certain types of padding areless likely to be chewed by the pet. Also, significant interference withthe means for providing air flow within the housing 554 may beundesirable.

Side walls 600 and front side 604 of the carrier 550 include a pluralityof ventilation holes 608 for comfort purposes. In FIGS. 10 and 13-15,the ventilation holes 608 have been omitted for the purpose of clarity,except in FIG. 14 where two are shown at the end of a projection line.In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 608 are circular; however itwill be understood that ventilation can be achieved equally well withholes of other shapes and sizes. It will be understood that because thecarrier 550 can be mounted between the saddle and the handlebars of abicycle, the carrier 550 may permit better ventilation than those petcarriers intended to be mounted behind the back of a bicycle rider,because this latter position has reduced air flow as compared to theformer position.

The top cover 570 also facilitates ventilation. This is due to the factthat it is grid-like. It will be understood that the grid-like portionof the lid 570 need not be made of plastic. For example, the grid-likeportion could consist of metal wires.

Although the illustrated lid is flat in regions, various lids ofdifferent shapes are possible. For example, the lid could have regionsthat bulge out.

Located below the floor 620 of the carrier 550 are storage compartments624 and 628. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment 624is sized to house a standard sized water bottle. The compartment 628 isdesigned to hold miscellaneous articles, and can be accessed through anopening in the associated side wall 600. The storage compartment 624 isaccessed by opening compartment cover 633, which preferably swings up orpops out. The cover 633 can be held closed in a variety of knownmanners, such as by means of a catch.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the carrier 550 includes a net-likerestraint 700 that attaches to the housing 554. When pet 710 is withinthe carrier 550, the restraint 700 presses against a back side of thepet 710. In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint 700 includes threespaced-apart straps 712, 714, 716 extending in one direction, and twoadditional spaced-apart straps 718, 720 that extend crosswise the otherstraps. The five straps can be stitched together (as illustrated or insome other manner) so as to form a unitary piece. Rivot fasteners 726(or alternatively other fasteners such as releasable fasteners) attachthe straps 718 and 720 to the housing 554. Releasable fasteners 728(e.g. clasp, Velcro™, etc.) attach the strap 712 to the side walls ofthe carrier. Apertures 730 are provided for connecting the fasteners 728to the respective side edge 733. It will be understood that the straps712-720 can be made of any suitable material (e.g. nylon, flexibleplastic, etc.). The number of straps used, the size of individual strapsand the strap arrangement will vary from carrier to carrier.

Either front-attached leash 732 or rear-attached leash 734 is connectedto pet collar 736 to further secure the pet 710 within the carrier 550.One or more apertures 738 or the ventilation holes 608 can permitconnection of clasp-opposite end of the leash 732 or 734 to the housing554.

When the carrier 550 is not attached to a bicycle, it may be useful forthe carrier 550 to include means for facilitating a person to carry thecarrier 550 around with him. Referring to FIG. 11, eyelets 650 and 654are provided to permit attachment of a strap, such as shoulder strap666, for carrier carrying purposes. Also, it might be desirable to beable to strap the pet carrier into a car seat. A belt clip could beprovided in the upper section of one of the sidewalls 600, or at anotherlocation (such as just below eyelet 654), or belt clips could beprovided at multiple locations. The shoulder portion of the seat beltwould be received by the clip, and the belt portion of the seat beltwould stretch around the pet carrier in the base region. Preferablythere will not be ventilation holes in the carrier in the location wherethe clip is attached to the carrier.

Other seat belt attachment means are contemplated. For example, a petcarrier constructed in accordance with one example embodiment couldinclude one or more suitable slots extending through the pet carrierhousing from one of its side walls to the other in order to connect acar safety belt to the pet carrier.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate alternative rear ends (joining ends) for thefront arm 20 (best shown in FIGS. 1-3). In FIG. 16A, end 748 of arm 750includes a pair of projections 754 integral to the channel member. Eachside wall 756 of the arm 750 defines a slot 760 that is relatively closeto an aperture 762 defined in each of the projections 754. The apertures762 are preferably used (i.e. receive nut and bolt assemblies) for frontarm-rear arm configurations such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. Theslots 760 are preferably used (i.e. receive nut and bolt assemblies) forfront arm-rear arm configurations such as the configuration illustratedin FIG. 4.

In FIG. 16B, end 770 of arm 772 does not include projections.Nevertheless, each sidewall the arm 772 defines both an aperture 780 andan adjacent slot 784. The slots 784 and the apertures 780 have the samepurpose as the slots 760 and the apertures 762 respectively.

In FIG. 16C, end 790 of arm 792 also does not include projections. Eachsidewall 794 of the arm 792 defines both an aperture 796 and an adjacentslot 798, but the positions are reversed as compared to the positions ofthe arm shown in FIG. 16B. The slots 798 and the apertures 796 have thesame purpose as the slots 760 and the aperture 762 respectively.

Although the described embodiments of the support are designed tosupport loads of up to 50 lbs, loads well above 50 lbs are not intended.Because of likely bicycle instability, it would be unadvisable in anyevent to ride a bicycle with an additional load of say 200 lbs.

It will be understood that if the carrier attached to the support is toolarge, a person's ability to ride the bicycle could be affected. In anexample embodiment, all dimensions of the carrier are less than 0.5 m.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intendedto embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fallwithin the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

1. An elongate support for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts betweenthe saddle and the handlebars of a bicycle, the support comprising: i)first and second ends; ii) a first clamp associated with said first endfor gripping a tubular member of said bicycle adjacent to saidhandlebars; iii) a second clamp associated with said second end forgripping a tubular member of said bicycle rearwardly of said firstclamp; iv) first and second elongate arms slideably engageable with eachother, said first and second arms each having a proximal end regionopposite their respective distal end regions associated with saidclamps, said first arm for supporting said carrier and fastenablethereto, said second arm including: a) a linear region extending fromthe distal end of said second arm towards the proximal end of saidsecond arm; and b) an angled region adjacent said linear region; and v)at least two fasteners enabling fastening of said first and second armstogether in either of at least two orientation-differing relationships,wherein in one of said two relationships angling out from said linearregion is in one direction, and in the other of said relationshipsangling out from said linear region is in a different direction.
 2. Asupport as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first arm includes opposedside walls, a web spanning said side walls and an interior space betweensaid side walls.
 3. A support as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sidewalls each define a slot sized to receive one of said fasteners.
 4. Asupport as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second arm defines aplurality of holes alignable with the slots.
 5. A support as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said second clamp can be pivoted with respect to saidsecond arm.
 6. A support as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second armis substantially shorter than said first arm.
 7. A support as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said first and second clamps each comprise openableopposed regions for gripping a bicycle tubular member therebetween, anda fastener for closing said regions together.
 8. A support as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said second arm further includes a pair of spaced-apartbars and at least one rigid spacer spanning said bars and engagedthereto for maintaining said spacing.
 9. A support as claimed in claim8, wherein said pair of bars are metal and strip-like in shape.
 10. Asupport as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second arms areboth slideably and pivotably engageable with each other.
 11. An elongatesupport for a bicycle-mounted carrier that mounts between the saddle andthe handlebars of a bicycle, the support comprising: i) first and secondends; ii) a first clamp associated with said first end for gripping atubular member of said bicycle adjacent to said handlebars; iii) asecond clamp associated with said second end for gripping a tubularmember of said bicycle rearwardly of said first clamp; iv) an elongatemember for supporting said carrier and fastenable thereto, said memberincluding opposed sidewalls, a web spanning said sidewalls, an interiorspace between said sidewalls, and a joining end region opposite a clampend region associated with said first clamp; v) a pair of bars eachhaving a linear region and an angled region, each of said bars forfastening to one of said sidewalls, said linear region associated withsaid second clamp, said angled region adjacent said linear region; andvi) at least two fasteners enabling the fastening to the sidewalls ineither of at least two orientation-differing relationships, wherein inone of said two relationships angling out from said linear region is inone direction, and in the other of said relationships angling out fromsaid linear region is in a different direction.
 12. A support as claimedin claim 11, wherein said one of the two relationships may be selectedif the bicycle is characterized by having a top end of its seat tubesubstantially below the handlebars, and the other of said relationshipsmay be selected if said bicycle is characterized by having a normal seattube.
 13. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said bars are madeof metal and are strip-like in shape.
 14. A support as claimed in claim11, wherein each of said side walls define a slot sized to engaged oneof said fasteners.
 15. A support as claimed in claim 14, wherein saidbars have a plurality of holes also sized for receiving said fasteners.16. A support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said bars are roughly thesame length and are sufficiently long to permit gripping a portion ofthe bicycle adjacent a bottom bracket of the bicycle.
 17. A support asclaimed in claim 11, wherein said first and second clamps each includeopenable opposed regions for gripping a bicycle tubular membertherebetween and a fastener for closing said regions together.
 18. Asupport as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said bars is slideablyengageable with either of said side walls.
 19. A support as claimed inclaim 11, wherein each of said bars is both slideably and pivotablyengageable with either of said side walls.
 20. A support as claimed inclaim 11, wherein said bars are roughly the same length and are bothsubstantially shorter than said elongate member.